The History of Percy High School Percy (population 942) is located in southwestern Illinois in the eastern portion of Randolph County. The town sits on Illinois Route 4 about 50 miles southeast of East St. Louis. Two railroad lines, the Illinois Central Gulf and the Missouri Pacific, intersect in Percy. A branch of the North Fork of the Cox Creek flows to the west of Percy. According to http://www.randolphcountyillinois.net/sub79.htm the area of Percy was first settled in 1819 and was first called Short’s Prairie after the family who lived there. As the railroads eventually came so did the population rise. Mining was the principle source of employment. Plans were made to incorporate the town in the 1880s with the plans being finalized in 1887. The town name of Percy was taken either from the superintendant of the nearby coal mine, Percy Kampen, or it was the name of the engineer of the first train to travel through town. One famous landmark that still stands in Percy is the Hahn House. Built in 1875 it is well-kept even today and is said to have things that go “bump” in the night among those who live there. Education would be a concern of the early settlers of Percy. A high school would probably have been established in Percy in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In the early 1940s consolidation talks began with nearby Willisville. This effort became a reality in 1947 with the creation of the Willisville-Percy School District. Willisville-Percy lasted for a short while before another consolidation effort was realized with several area communities. This resulted in the creation of the Trico School DIstrict which is located in a country setting near Campbell Hill. Percy High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s Year consolicated with Willisville: 1947 Consolidated to: Willisville-Percy School District Percy School team nickname: “Blackhawks”? Percy team colors: Red, Black, & White School Fight Song: unavailable |
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Peoria Woodruff High School “Warriors”
The History of Peoria Woodruff High School, in brief … Peoria (population: 113,000) is located in central Illinois along the Illinois River, and is deep in history. The community was once the home of the Peoria Indians, who were part of the Algonquin tribe, and were part of the Illinois Confederacy with the Tamaroa, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, and Cahokia tribes. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to come thru the area in 1673 as the French took over control of the land. That would change in 1765 when the British gained control after victory over the French in the French & Indian War. However, that would be short-lived as George Rogers Clark would claim the area for the state of Virginia in 1778. The community began to take shape and grew as the country would go westward in the 19th century. Peoria would be incorporated as a town in 1835, then repeat the process as a city ten years later. Interstate 74 is the major route in the area, with Interstate 474 being a bypass for those who wish to go around the city. Other routes include US 24 & 150, in addition to Illinois 6, 8, 29, 40, 91, and 116. Rail service is offered by ten different carriers, including BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific. Woodruff High School was built in 1937 as a replacement for Kingman High School that was located in the Averyville neighborhood. You can read about Kingman High (and it’s predecessor, Averyville High) HERE. The school building, located at 1810 N. Perry, was built as a Works Project Administration concept (itself a concept of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” to help escape from the Great Depression). The architectulal firm of Jamison & Harrison of Peoria built the structure. The building was occupied on September 16, 1937 and a formal dedication ceremony was held on October 12. According to an article in the Peoria Journal, “taxpayers put more than $610,000 into the educational building.” Woorduff High School was so named in honor of E.N. Woodruff, a ten-time mayor of Peoria. Louis R. McDonald was the first principal of Woodruff, serving until 1969. As time passed, the school would see many changes. One of them was a change of the demographic of the neighborhood. During the 1960’s, the school would experience some racial tension. Peoria’s overall population would also shift during the latter half of the 20th century. During the start of the 21st century, talks began to start about closing one of Peoria’s public high schools (Peoria High and Peoria Manual are the other two). It was decided, after many years of studies, that Woodruff would close at the end of the 2009-10 school year. Class of 1953 60th Reunion: From John Keach, please click on the following link – http://1953whs.webs.com/. This site includes some great newspaper articles and photos regarding the Peoria Woodruff HS Class of 1953. Thank you for sharing John! Peoria Woodruff High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1937 Year closed: 2010 Team nickname: “Warriors” Uniform colors: Blue & Gold Fight Song: Listed below: Come and fight now Woodruff show what you can do; Come on team now fight, U, Rah! Rah! |
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Perry High School “Pioneers”
The History of Perry High School Perry is located in western Illinois in north-central Pike County. The town and its population of 437 settled on Il. Rt. 107 approximately 40 miles west-north-west of Jacksonville. Information is needed as to the origin and history of the town. A brief history of Perry High School was sent to us by Perry High School alum Lori Berquist (Class of 1975). The history was provided by Lori’s mother, Gwen Woods, a 1938 graduate of Perry High: “Perry High School graduated its first class in 1879 with seven girls earning their diplomas. Perry was a three year school and remained a 3-yr. course until 1911, which was the first class to graduate from the 4-yr. high school. The school had a boys’ basketball team beginning in 1909, until the school merged with Griggsville in 1995. There was also a girls’ team about the same time, Besides many successful sports teams, PHS also had many students who competed successfully in IHSA events in speech and music. The band program began in the 1930’s, and continued to the end. There was always active participation in drama, chorus, FFA and FHA. Over the years PHS graduates have become teachers (over 90 of them), college professors, doctors, dentists, lawyers, authors, fashion designers and other distinguished positions.” Perry High School existed successfully for many years until a consolidation effort with nearby Griggsville was realized. This effort took place in 1995. The former Perry High School building pictured above now serves as the grade school (Grades 5 – 8) for the Griggsville – Perry School District. The Perry High School Alumni Association holds an annual meeting and banquet on the last Saturday of May (Memorial Day weekend)at the school building. Perry High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1879 Year closed: 1995 School nickname: the “Pioneers” School colors: Blue & White School Fight Song: “Cheer for Perry High School” Cheers for our high school,
You do your best boys, We’ll do the rest boys.
RAH! RAH! RAH! |
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Peru Academy of St. Joseph
The History of Peru Academy of St. Joseph Peru (population: 9,835) is located in north central Illinois in LaSalle County along the Illinois River. The community is a midpoint between the Quad Cities and the south Chicago suburbs along Interstate 80, plus US 6 and Illinois 251 run thru Peru. It is also where the Illinois-Michigan Canal met the Illinois River as Chicagoans shipping goods to New Orleans would send them down the canal to the river, and it would eventually meet up with the Mississippi for the trip south at “Steamboat Basin.” The city was first settled by John Hays in 1830 and developed a reputation as a river port, but was overshadowed by neighboring LaSalle’s efforts with their own canal port. After the canal closed to barge traffic, Peru regained their reputation. It was organized in 1838 and incorporated in 1851. The coal and zinc mining were part of the community’s success, which lead to a zinc manufacturing plant. Some of the better-known businesses in Peru include Maze Lumber and Nail, which has made its own nails since 1848, Carus Chemical Company (the world leader in producing potassium permanganate), American Nickeloid, and was home to the Western Clock Company (also known as Westclox) until that company closed its doors in the late 1970’s after making the Big Ben alarm clock for over 60 years. One of Peru’s residents would up with international acclaim. Maud Powell was a world-reknown violin who was the first American to gain this rank because of her skill and virtuosity. A statue of her is prominently displayed in downtown Peru. |
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Percy High School “Blackhawks”
The History of Percy High School Percy (population 942) is located in southwestern Illinois in the eastern portion of Randolph County. The town sits on Illinois Route 4 about 50 miles southeast of East St. Louis. Two railroad lines, the Illinois Central Gulf and the Missouri Pacific, intersect in Percy. A branch of the North Fork of the Cox Creek flows to the west of Percy. According to http://www.randolphcountyillinois.net/sub79.htm the area of Percy was first settled in 1819 and was first called Short’s Prairie after the family who lived there. As the railroads eventually came so did the population rise. Mining was the principle source of employment. Plans were made to incorporate the town in the 1880s with the plans being finalized in 1887. The town name of Percy was taken either from the superintendant of the nearby coal mine, Percy Kampen, or it was the name of the engineer of the first train to travel through town. One famous landmark that still stands in Percy is the Hahn House. Built in 1875 it is well-kept even today and is said to have things that go “bump” in the night among those who live there. Education would be a concern of the early settlers of Percy. A high school would probably have been established in Percy in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In the early 1940s consolidation talks began with nearby Willisville. This effort became a reality in 1947 with the creation of the Willisville-Percy School District. Willisville-Percy lasted for a short while before another consolidation effort was realized with several area communities. This resulted in the creation of the Trico School DIstrict which is located in a country setting near Campbell Hill. Percy High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s Year consolicated with Willisville: 1947 Consolidated to: Willisville-Percy School District Percy School team nickname: “Blackhawks”? Percy team colors: Red, Black, & White School Fight Song: unavailable |
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Peoria Woodruff High School “Warriors”
The History of Peoria Woodruff High School, in brief … Peoria (population: 113,000) is located in central Illinois along the Illinois River, and is deep in history. The community was once the home of the Peoria Indians, who were part of the Algonquin tribe, and were part of the Illinois Confederacy with the Tamaroa, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, and Cahokia tribes. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to come thru the area in 1673 as the French took over control of the land. That would change in 1765 when the British gained control after victory over the French in the French & Indian War. However, that would be short-lived as George Rogers Clark would claim the area for the state of Virginia in 1778. The community began to take shape and grew as the country would go westward in the 19th century. Peoria would be incorporated as a town in 1835, then repeat the process as a city ten years later. Interstate 74 is the major route in the area, with Interstate 474 being a bypass for those who wish to go around the city. Other routes include US 24 & 150, in addition to Illinois 6, 8, 29, 40, 91, and 116. Rail service is offered by ten different carriers, including BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific. Woodruff High School was built in 1937 as a replacement for Kingman High School that was located in the Averyville neighborhood. You can read about Kingman High (and it’s predecessor, Averyville High) HERE. The school building, located at 1810 N. Perry, was built as a Works Project Administration concept (itself a concept of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” to help escape from the Great Depression). The architectulal firm of Jamison & Harrison of Peoria built the structure. The building was occupied on September 16, 1937 and a formal dedication ceremony was held on October 12. According to an article in the Peoria Journal, “taxpayers put more than $610,000 into the educational building.” Woorduff High School was so named in honor of E.N. Woodruff, a ten-time mayor of Peoria. Louis R. McDonald was the first principal of Woodruff, serving until 1969. As time passed, the school would see many changes. One of them was a change of the demographic of the neighborhood. During the 1960’s, the school would experience some racial tension. Peoria’s overall population would also shift during the latter half of the 20th century. During the start of the 21st century, talks began to start about closing one of Peoria’s public high schools (Peoria High and Peoria Manual are the other two). It was decided, after many years of studies, that Woodruff would close at the end of the 2009-10 school year. Class of 1953 60th Reunion: From John Keach, please click on the following link – http://1953whs.webs.com/. This site includes some great newspaper articles and photos regarding the Peoria Woodruff HS Class of 1953. Thank you for sharing John! Peoria Woodruff High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1937 Year closed: 2010 Team nickname: “Warriors” Uniform colors: Blue & Gold Fight Song: Listed below: Come and fight now Woodruff show what you can do; Come on team now fight, U, Rah! Rah! |
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Peoria Spalding Institute “Fighting Irish”
The History of Peoria Spalding Institute Peoria is one of Illinois’ biggest core cities. With a population of approximately 116,000 people, Peoria is a hub of the central part of the state. Spalding Institure was located at the corner of Madison Avenue and Jackson Street. Peoria Spalding Institute was established as a Catholic high school in 1899. It was named by the founder of the Peoria Diosece, Bishop John L. Spalding, for his late brother, the Reverend Ben J. Spalding. In 1950, an addition was made consisting of an additional school building, the Schlarman annex, and a Catholic Youth Center. At that time also, the old administration building was moved from its place on Madison Avenue, next to Spalding Institute, to a new place a block away, facing Byran Street. In 1953, the Spalding Gymnasium was built. The Fighting Irish had a rich tradition of academics and athletics during their existence. One former student described his time at Spalding this way: “It was great fun going to the football games, where the cheering and chanting would drown out our award-winning cheerleading squad! Following the games, dances or “jams” would be held in the Student Center.” Dan G. submitted February 03, 2005 The Spalding Institute was administered by three different religious communities over the years: The Brothers of Mary, from 1901 until 1935, The Benedictine Fathers, from 1935 until 1950, and the Viatorian Fathers, beginning in 1950. The structures of the Institute through history housed three gyms, which gradually were enlarged, as the role of physical fitness and sports activity expanded in the consciousness of education. The lower gym of the main school structure was built in 1908, and measured 44 x 40 feet. Seating accommodated 150 fans, and was elevated above the playing floor. The ceiling was just 15 feet high. The baskets were removed in 1946. The upper gym was outfitted in 1928, with small seating capacity. The playing floor measured 77 x 52 feet, with six fan shaped baskets. The Spalding Gymnasium at 50 x 84, with a capacity at 3200 seating, was dedicated in 1953, with a game between Spalding and Rock Island Alleman. The ceiling of the gym was also outfitted with a series of pulleys and hooks, so the gymnasium could be completely transformed into an auditorium, complete with a full set of curtains, so that the floor could be used for stage productions. Slowly, like many dioceses in Illinois, the funds to operate the Catholic schools began to diminish starting in the 1960’s. In 1973, Spalding and an all-girls school, Peoria Academy of Our Lady, merged under one administrative and academic structure. Both schools were still open under their names until 1988. The school closed its doors under a suggestion by Bishop Edward O’Rourke, when it and Academy of Our Lady consolidated with Peoria’s other Catholic high school, Peoria Bergan. The two schools form what is now known as Peoria Notre Dame High School which is housed on the former Bergan campus. The Spalding building is still in use under the Spalding name as the Spalding Renewal Center and retreat house. The street on which the Spalding Institute main building sites, Jackson, was renamed Spalding by the city of Peoria in honor of the founding of that august institution. After the closure of Spalding, the gym hosted Peoria Notre Dame basketball games. The 2005-06 athletic season was the final year of use for the Spalding Gymnasium and was soon razed. The final basketball game played there took place on Friday, February 24, 2006 when Notre Dame fell to Peoria Manual 57-48. More than 2,000 people, including many alumni of the Spalding Institute, showed up for this game. At the conclusion of the game, former Peoria mayor Jim Maloof, a 1937 graduate of Spalding, led the crowd in a postgame sing of the school fight song.
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Peoria Bergan High School “Trojans”
The History of Peoria Bergan High School Peoria (population: 113,000) is located in central Illinois along the Illinois River, and is deep in history. The community was once the home of the Peoria Indians, who were part of the Algonquin tribe, and were part of the Illinois Confederacy with the Tamaroa, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, and Cahokia tribes. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to come thru the area in 1673 as the French took over control of the land. That would change in 1765 when the British gained control after victory over the French in the French & Indian War. However, that would be short-lived as George Rogers Clark would claim the area for the state of Virginia in 1778. The community began to take shape and grew as the country would go westward in the 19th century. Peoria would be incorporated as a town in 1835, then repeat the process as a city ten years later. Interstate 74 is the major route in the area, with Interstate 474 being a bypass for those who wish to go around the city. Other routes include US 24 & 150, in addition to Illinois 6, 8, 29, 40, 91, and 116. Rail service is offered by ten different carriers, including BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific. Peoria’s history with Roman Catholic education is also important to its history as nuns from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Louis made the trek to Peoria in 1863. Other orders would also come to the community, such as the LaSalleans from the Christian Brothers Community, and have stayed to educate Peoria’s youth. Bergan was formed in 1963 when the Catholic Diocese of Peoria decided to open up a school in the northern part of the city where the population was growing along with new churches were opening. Under the leadership of Bishop John B. Franz, Bergan was named for Peoria native and the Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska at the time, Gerald T. Bergan. The school was a co-ed operation as compared to established schools Academy of Our Lady and Spalding Institute, which were single-gender only. The following history of the school is recalled by Class of 1984 alum Jeffrey Flexer: “Originally, Bergan was opened as a school for men and women, but it was not co-educational. Separate classes were held for men and women in separate wings of the school. Only the lunch area (“The Commons”), Chapel, Auditorium, and Library were shared during the school day. The school was run by the Christian Brothers in the very end of the 1970’s. By the time my class started – all the Brother’s were gone, we were told they had become too “liberal” in their educational style. Fr. Ken Marchelones was the first principal after the Diocese took over operational management of the school. Robert Cleary, a parapelegic, was named principal for in 1983 and served in that capacity for many years following. The Benedictine sisters made up part of the staff during my years. Later the Sister’s left and the convent was closed and converted to other use.” Enrollment at Peoria Bergan was 723 in 1980. The school thrived until 1988 when it was decided that due to declining enrollment (587 that year) to merge Bergan and Academy of Our Lady/Spalding together. The new school is now known as Notre Dame and uses the Bergan campus as its home base. |
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Peoria Bergan High School “Trojans”
The History of Peoria Bergan High School Peoria (population: 113,000) is located in central Illinois along the Illinois River, and is deep in history. The community was once the home of the Peoria Indians, who were part of the Algonquin tribe, and were part of the Illinois Confederacy with the Tamaroa, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, and Cahokia tribes. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to come thru the area in 1673 as the French took over control of the land. That would change in 1765 when the British gained control after victory over the French in the French & Indian War. However, that would be short-lived as George Rogers Clark would claim the area for the state of Virginia in 1778. The community began to take shape and grew as the country would go westward in the 19th century. Peoria would be incorporated as a town in 1835, then repeat the process as a city ten years later. Interstate 74 is the major route in the area, with Interstate 474 being a bypass for those who wish to go around the city. Other routes include US 24 & 150, in addition to Illinois 6, 8, 29, 40, 91, and 116. Rail service is offered by ten different carriers, including BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific. Peoria’s history with Roman Catholic education is also important to its history as nuns from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Louis made the trek to Peoria in 1863. Other orders would also come to the community, such as the LaSalleans from the Christian Brothers Community, and have stayed to educate Peoria’s youth. Bergan was formed in 1963 when the Catholic Diocese of Peoria decided to open up a school in the northern part of the city where the population was growing along with new churches were opening. Under the leadership of Bishop John B. Franz, Bergan was named for Peoria native and the Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska at the time, Gerald T. Bergan. The school was a co-ed operation as compared to established schools Academy of Our Lady and Spalding Institute, which were single-gender only. The following history of the school is recalled by Class of 1984 alum Jeffrey Flexer: “Originally, Bergan was opened as a school for men and women, but it was not co-educational. Separate classes were held for men and women in separate wings of the school. Only the lunch area (“The Commons”), Chapel, Auditorium, and Library were shared during the school day. The school was run by the Christian Brothers in the very end of the 1970’s. By the time my class started – all the Brother’s were gone, we were told they had become too “liberal” in their educational style. Fr. Ken Marchelones was the first principal after the Diocese took over operational management of the school. Robert Cleary, a parapelegic, was named principal for in 1983 and served in that capacity for many years following. The Benedictine sisters made up part of the staff during my years. Later the Sister’s left and the convent was closed and converted to other use.” Enrollment at Peoria Bergan was 723 in 1980. The school thrived until 1988 when it was decided that due to declining enrollment (587 that year) to merge Bergan and Academy of Our Lady/Spalding together. The new school is now known as Notre Dame and uses the Bergan campus as its home base. |
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Peoria Academy of Our Lady
Development and History of the Academy of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart |
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